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| Photo Credit: Seacoast Repertory Theatre |
South Pacific is a musical
classic from composer Richard Rogers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II that first
appeared on Broadway in 1949. Set in an island paradise in the South Pacific in
1943 during World War II, it follows the love story between Arkansas native and
US Navy nurse Nellie and French planter Emile, who escaped to the island from
France many years before and is now a widower raising his two children. Another
love story develops between Liat, a local girl living on the island of Bali Ha′i,
and Lieutenant Cable, who is conflicted with the duty he owes to his country and
the love he feels for Liat.
As
the lights come up on stage and the dual pianos begin the overture, a nearly
full house waits with baited breath. Suddenly, two adorable children playfully
chase each other onto the stage and sing “Dites-Moi”. And in that moment the
audience is transported to the South Pacific. As the show continues, the
creative staging from Director Danielle Howard, the inventive set design by
Szu-Feng Cheng, and the soothing lighting design by Kelly Gibson fully immerses
the audience in the show.
While
overall the cast of about twenty was good, there were certainly a few standout
performances. First, was the fantastically funny Linette Roungchun as Bloody
Mary. Her rendition of “Bali Ha′i” was wonderfully performed and had the audience
wishing we could all go to the beautiful island. Next was the charismatic and
amusing performance given by Kevin Mahaney who played Luther Billis. From the
moment he walked onto the stage through his hysterical dance number, “Honey Bun”,
with Nellie, played by Allie Wing, his characterization and comedic timing were
spot on. His vocals, as he demonstrated in “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame”, were
some of the best in the show.
Other
notable moments include Connor McGrath’s (Lt. Cable) rendition of “You’ve Got
to be Carefully Taught” which was poignant and yet a sad reminder of prejudices
that still exist today. Paul Soper’s (Emile De Becque) well-trained opera voice was wonderfully showcased in
“Some Enchanted Evening” and “This Nearly Was Mine”. Allie Wing (Ensign Nellie
Forbush) was delightful throughout; though her voice was sometimes drowned out
if others were also singing. However, her charming portrayal of Nellie and the
joy she expressed during numbers such as “A Cockeyed Optimist”, “Wonderful Guy”
and “Hunny Bun” had the audience hoping her love story would end happily.
South Pacific at Seacoast
Repertory Theatre is a well done version of a musical classic and plays Thursdays-
Sundays until August 2nd. For more information and tickets visit
www.seacoastrep.org
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